Rare Pink and Purple Fog Descends Across the UK, Leaving Commuters and Tourists Stunned: Everything You Need to Know About This Atmospheric Phenomenon

Published on December 18, 2025

This week, the UK woke up to a stunning and rare sight as a thick fog, tinged with shades of pink and purple, enveloped parts of the country. On Wednesday, December 17, commuters and tourists were left in awe as the unusual fog blanketed London, Hertfordshire, and the Home Counties, creating an eerie yet mesmerizing atmosphere. The candy floss fog phenomenon left people captivated, sharing their experiences on social media as they navigated through near-impossible visibility on their way to work. Scientists explained that the pinkish hue was caused by sunlight refracting through multiple layers of fog, filtering out the blue light and allowing the red light to shine through.

What Caused the Pink Fog? A Scientific Explanation

The fog that stunned the UK this week is not just a random weather occurrence. According to experts at the Met Office, the pink and purple hue is the result of sunlight interacting with moisture particles in the atmosphere in a very specific way. As Grahame Madge, a spokesperson for the Met Office, explained, the sunlight passing through layers of fog and clouds filters out the blue light from the spectrum, allowing the red wavelengths to dominate. This atmospheric effect is akin to the sunrise being filtered through fog, producing the rose-colored fog seen on December 17.

This particular atmospheric condition is quite rare because it requires the right combination of moisture, cloud layers, and sunlight hitting the fog at just the right angle. Although this phenomenon has been observed before, it’s uncommon to see it in full force, which is why it left so many onlookers amazed.

• Cause of Phenomenon: Sunlight refracting through layers of fog filters out the blue light, leaving the red light to shine through.
• Rarity: This phenomenon occurs under very specific conditions and is considered rare.

The Social Media Buzz: A Visual Delight for Commuters and Travelers

As the fog descended over major cities, social media was abuzz with posts from people capturing the magical, pink-tinged scenes. In Hertfordshire, one user marveled at the sight of the fog, commenting on how “soooo pink” it appeared in the morning light. Another person, commuting in central London, described the “sunrise pink fog” as a breathtaking experience. One TikTok user even joked that it felt as though she were “up in the mountains” as the thick fog surrounded her residential street.

These personal stories shared across social platforms demonstrated how rare and enchanting the fog was for both tourists and commuters alike. For travelers who happened to be visiting London or the Home Counties, the pink fog became a special experience, making their trip even more memorable.

• Social Media Impact: Posts went viral, with many people sharing their astonishment at the rare fog.
• Tourist Experience: Visitors to the UK got an unexpected, picturesque experience on their travels.

The Impact on Business Travel and Daily Commuters

While the pink fog was undoubtedly a stunning spectacle, it had some practical implications, especially for commuters and business travelers. As the fog created low visibility across many regions, including London’s Home Counties, travelers had to navigate winding, fog-covered roads, often with only a few meters of visibility. This made it particularly challenging for those driving to work or attending business meetings, adding an extra layer of stress to their daily routines.

For business travelers in London, the fog disrupted early morning meetings and events, as several people found themselves delayed due to the fog’s effect on transportation. The phenomenon highlighted the need for more efficient, weather-adaptive travel solutions, especially in major cities where morning commutes are a crucial part of the daily business rhythm.

• Business Travel Impact: Delayed arrivals and disrupted schedules for many business professionals due to low visibility.
• Commute Challenges: Drivers faced difficulties navigating foggy streets, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

Tips for Travelers Dealing with Foggy Conditions

If you find yourself in the UK during this rare weather event, here are a few tips to help ensure your safety and make the most of your journey:

1. Check Weather Forecasts: Always stay updated on the latest weather conditions through the Met Office and other reliable weather services, especially if traveling by road or air.
   • Met Office UK: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk
2. Allow Extra Travel Time: Due to reduced visibility, it’s essential to plan for longer journey times, especially during the early morning hours when fog is most prominent.
3. Use Public Transport: If possible, use public transportation in cities like London to avoid the stress of driving in low-visibility conditions.
4. Maintain a Safe Distance: When driving, make sure to keep a safe distance from other vehicles, use your fog lights, and drive cautiously at reduced speeds.
5. Adapt Your Schedule: For business travelers, try to adjust meeting times or remote work options if weather conditions are expected to affect travel.

• Travel Tip: Always check public transport routes and allow extra time for travel when low-visibility fog is expected.

The Beauty of Fog: Embrace the Moment

Despite its occasional inconvenience, fog can be a beautiful spectacle, especially when it casts the landscape in hues of pink and purple, offering opportunities for unique photography. The London skyline, historic buildings, and natural landscapes take on a magical appearance when seen through the lens of the pink fog. For tourists, it offers an opportunity to capture stunning, ethereal photos and appreciate the natural world’s intricacies.

For anyone planning to visit the UK, particularly in winter or during early mornings, this weather phenomenon adds to the charm of an already picturesque destination. Whether for business or leisure, the moment you find yourself walking through the soft pink mist of a foggy British morning, you’ll be experiencing one of nature’s most stunning spectacles.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated